So today I emailed the Vietnamese Embassy to request pricing for a multiple entry visa. They responded efficiently and informed me that they are closed until 22nd Feb, but that the visas cost almost £100 each !  Considering all the other visas in the region are less than £30 each  this is crazy ! V and I have decided we’ll take the chance and try to get the visa in Hong Kong. I suspect this will be a challenge. The biggest issue with the visa is that you need to specify an entry and exit date – not realistic in our case.

Then I contacted a motorcycle training school in Shrewsbury (very helpful –  Complete Bike Traning). V and I decided it would be good to get bike licences so that we can rent bikes if possible. Foiled again !  Turns out we need to convert our SA drivers licence to  UK ones first. It takes 4 weeks and they keep your passport – ummm.. we need those to go snowboarding !  Then a 3 day of course before  the first level exam – for which you may have wait a couple of weeks to get an opening. Then on with another course and exam before you get a full licence for a small bike. Looks like we’ll have to hire bicycles !